BAR Beach is set to host the second annual Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships this weekend. Last year's winner, Renton Millar, will return to Newcastle to defend his title, after defeating Jack Fardell and RJ Barbaro in the inaugural championships this time last year. Men and women of all ages and skill levels are invited to tackle the Bar Beach bowl. The Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships offer four divisions - the under 18s, the Pro/Am, the masters (over 40s) and female open division. On show will be some of Australia's best bowl-riders, including pro skaters Jack Fardell, Nathan "Jimmy" Beck, Keegan Palmer and international pros Nolan Monroe, Alex Sorgente and Nilo Pecannha. Confirmed to compete in the masters division are Pat Ngoho, Lester Kasai, Adrian Jones and Mick Mulhall. Poppy Olsen will also be back to defend her title in the women's division. Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships co-founder Chad Fords said the event's aim was to create an opportunity for Australian riders to compete against one another. All riders will battle it out for a piece of a $25,000 prize pool and a chance to win a wildcard entry into the upcoming professional bowl series Vans BOWL-A-RAMA at Bondi. ■ The second annual Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships will be held this Saturday, February 9. Learn to skate clinics will also be held the day before from 3.30pm. Go to abc skate.com.au for details.

Poppy Olsen will also be back to defend her title in the women's division.

Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships co-founder Chad Fords said the event's aim was to create an opportunity for Australian riders to compete against one another.

All riders will battle it out for a piece of a $25,000 prize pool and a chance to win a wildcard entry into the upcoming professional bowl series Vans BOWL-A-RAMA at Bondi.

■ The second annual Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships will be held this Saturday, February 9. Learn to skate clinics will also be held the day before from 3.30pm. Go to abc skate.com.au for details.

THRILLING: Australia’s best bowl-riders are in action this weekend. Picture: Ryan Osland